Why Won’t My Bad Breath Go Away?

Persistent bad breath can happen to anyone, and in fact, over 50 percent of adults have suffered from persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, sometime in their lives. There are many potential causes of bad breath, and the best way to determine the cause is to see Nixa, MO dentist Dr. Jacob McLauchlin. He can help you determine the cause and prevent bad breath.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bacteria

Our mouths are naturally full of harmless bacteria that feed on the food particles left behind on the teeth, creating plaque. This process leaves behind a foul-smelling waste product that causes bad breath. Simply maintaining a good brushing and flossing regimen will help eliminate the bad breath.

Dry Mouth

Saliva is important because it washes out your mouth and helps begin digestion. If your mouth doesn’t have enough saliva, your mouth isn’t getting cleaned as much as it should, which leaves bacteria and leftover food particles behind.

Dry mouth can be caused by medications or something as simple as breathing through your mouth. Most of us are always dehydrated, and drinking enough water is important to maintaining healthy saliva levels.

Gum Disease

A constant bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath could be a sign of gum disease, or periodontal disease. This is caused by oral bacteria infecting the gums, making them inflamed, painful, and bleed easily. See your dentist if you notice these symptoms, because if left untreated, gum disease can destroy your teeth and jaw bone.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

While gum disease and other oral health concerns may be the culprit behind persistent bad breath, there is also a chance that other medical conditions can cause it. If your dentist has ruled out dental health problems, see your primary health provider. Halitosis can be a sign of sinus conditions, acid reflux, liver or kidney disease, or diabetes, to name a few.

Cure Bad Breath in Nixa, MO

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will get rid of a lot of bacteria that cause bad breath. Also, pay special attention to your tongue. If you stick out your tongue and see a white or brown coating on the very back, that means you have a layer of bad-breath-causing bacteria on your tongue. This can be removed with a toothbrush or tongue scraper.

Mouthwash can mask bad breath, but this is often a temporary solution. Maintain a good brushing and flossing regimen to reduce the chance of your breath becoming a problem.

Most importantly, make sure you’re keeping regular appointments at MAC Dental to keep your oral health in good condition. Regular checkups help Dr. McLauchlin spot symptoms before they become big problems, so request an appointment online or call 417-725-3200 today.

Location

413 N. McCroskey St.
Nixa, MO 65714

417.202.0932

Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed